Fear and Political Action

[nancylebov]

I recently heard some talk based on the idea that the reaction to the Bush administration most worth encouraging is fear.

I have two problems with this. One is merely factual--the administration is much weaker than it was. It's made disasterous mistakes, and the natural incompatities among its supporters are getting interesting. This doesn't mean it's become harmless and there are certainly still excellent reasons to oppose it, but imho, it's not nearly as scary as it was a year or two ago.

The other is psychological. Amp up the fear too high, and some people get paralyzed.

I'm asking those of you who've been following politics more carefully than I have: what mix of emotional appeals have contributed to changes you've wanted?

Comments

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

What appeals seemed to be effective in getting the protestors to show up?

Given my memories of the two visits I made to our nation's capital

[mouseworks.livejournal.com]

Some sense that joy and the best music was on our side. Some sense that the organizers knew how to protect the people in the march from agent provocateurs and honest but stupid hot heads.

As the other person said, seeing visibly the range of people on one's own side. When the protests turned more confrontational, a lot of the more middle class stopped coming.

Having good publicity for the buses helps.

Re: Given my memories of the two visits I made to our nation's capital

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

I agree about the music. Afaik, no political movement in the US is making notable music these days.